Gleneagles unveils multi-million pound refurbishment plan

The new owner of Gleneagles has announced a " bold and creative" multi-million pound refurbishment of the iconic five-red-AA-star, 232-bedroom hotel in Perthshire.

Ennismore, which bought the property in July 2015 for around £200m, will work with a plethora of designers, including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties, Macaulay Sinclair and Goddard Littlefair, to create a contemporary feel to the 92-year-old property, while retaining its Scottish identity.

Sharan Pasricha, founder and chief executive of Ennismore said that there is the potential to do "so much more" with the golf resort which hosted the G8 summit in 2005 and the Ryder Cup in 2014.

"The Gleneagles hotel is an incredible property and beloved brand," he explained. "It is known the world over for its golf, but with 850 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, there is the potential to do so much more with the hotel.

"It's an organic progression - evolution, not revolution - and will ensure the iconic Gleneagles brand remains synonymous with luxury, and the hotel maintains its position among the leading hotels of the world."

Details of the refurbishment are not specific, but are said to feature bedrooms with "beautiful detailing, fabrics and craftsmanship to create a warm country estate feel" and public space where guests can "mingle, relax and better enjoy the views of the Perthshire countryside".

A new bar is to be created in the Dormy Clubhouse, while the hotel's main bar will be transformed with a new look. The public spaces will be luxurious, but will be more akin to a home or private club than a hotel.

The hotel will remain open during the refurbishment, with the minimum of disruption to guests.

Pasricha added: "When Gleneagles first opened its doors in 1924, it was dubbed as the 'Palace in the Glens' and our aim is to surpass these glory days. We look forward to introducing our guests to the new spaces and continuing to provide them with a five-star experience in a setting that is effortlessly stylish and luxurious."

Gleneagles was sold last year by drinks giant Diageo, which had owned the property for 31 years.

Ennismore is the London-based owner and operator of the Hoxton group of hotels, which currently has two properties in London and one in Amsterdam.

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